At the start of 2010, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) announced that electricity tariffs would increase at an average rate of 25 percent per year over a three year period (Njobeni, 2010). This raised fears within the economy and specifically within the agricultural sector that these increases would negatively impact the agricultural sector. Various stakeholders within the agricultural sector also raised opinions on what the true impact will be on agricultural production and market prices. The main objective of this study was to quantify the true impact of higher electricity tariffs on production and market prices within the potato industry. The study focused on the potato producing regions of the Sandveld, Limpopo and South Western Free State. On-farm data were collected in an attempt to capture the electricity consumption and costs associated with potato farming in these specific regions. An effort was also made to calculate and capture production costs in these three regions which, together with the collected electricity costs, formed the basis of the analysis. The study applied a supply response model developed by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy to evaluate the impact of increased electricity tariffs on potato production and prices in South Africa. The supply response model used is a standard econometric recursive dynamic model that has the purpose to model policy analysis, iv with short, medium and long term projections on an annual baseline basis (van Tongeren et al, 2000). However, in order to conduct analysis on electricity tariff increases, this supply response model required adaptation and improvement in order to incorporate electricity costs. Before this adjustment, the model applied the producer price / fertilizer price ratio as a proxy for production costs. Since detailed production costs (including electricity costs) were acquired through this study it was now possible to alter this ratio to a producer price / production costs ratio which included the electricity costs. To illustrate the impact of the electricity price increase the electricity cost component in production cost was shocked to reflect an increase at the set rate of an average of 25 percent per annum for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 production years. The results demonstrated that these three regions will see a decrease in hectares planted over the period between 2013 and 2020 as a result of the increased electricity tariffs, but that this decrease in hectares planted will be very small. The Sandveld region had the highest impact as it was calculated that on average, over the period between 2013 and 2020, a total of 35 hectares of potato production will be lost due to this higher electricity tariff. It can further be expected that the market price in the Sandveld region would increase slightly by 52c/10kg over the same period. The South Western Free State region was least effected by the higher electricity tariffs as a mere 1.6 hectares of potato production land could be lost due to the higher electricity tariffs which will lead to an increase of around 36c/10kg in market prices over the period between 2013 and 2020. The study further introduced a cost saving technique that farmers can use to counter the higher electricity tariffs. The majority of farmers consume electricity under the Landrate and Ruraflex tariff structure. It is this Ruraflex tariff structure that farmers can use to their advantage by consuming electricity during specific periods of the day that would result in a lower c/kWh cost. By reviewing the irrigation scheduling and activities of farmers the study established that most farmers pay far too much for electricity since their peak usage are during the periods of the day where higher rates apply. The study calculated that farmers, by applying this technique, could save between R190 and R455 on electricity costs per hectare in the Sandveld region. The study concluded that the impact of higher electricity tariffs on potato production and market prices in the Sandveld, Limpopo and South Western Free State regions are of a small nature which will most likely be absorbed by the farmers. The claims by various industry participants that the potato industry would be adversely negatively impacted were unfounded in this study. Nevertheless, in the event that electricity tariffs continue to increase in the future, farmers have to their disposal a cost saving technique that will aid them in countering some of the negative effects of electricity price hikes. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

No description available.

The purpose of this research was to incorporate a potato product into bread as a partial replacement for wheat flour and to describe a collaborative process for the development of bread products in three Soviet communities. Six potato flake breads and six cooked-mashed potato breads, with and without added gluten, were evaluated in a pilot study. Consumer acceptance scores indicated no significant differences among the twelve bread products. Four bread products, 29% and 45% cooked-mashed potato breads without added gluten, 15% potato flake bread with added gluten, and a 100% wheat flour bread, were selected for objective measurements, descriptive sensory evaluation, and central location acceptance testing. The four breads were not significantly different in the objective measurements of standing height, percent protein and amino acid content The three potato breads had the highest moisture percent loss on day 1. Texture analysis indicated the 45% bread had the highest texture measurements from the day of baking through day 4. The control "rapid" bread had the lowest analysis of freshness measurements. Staling, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry, indicated the potato breads had significantly reduced staling rates when compared to 100% wheat flour bread. Eleven trained panelists judged ten characteristics of the control and potato breads. The panelists perceived the potato breads to be more moist than the control. The other sensory characteristics of the control and potato breads were judged as similar. Central location acceptance testing in Alaska and the Soviet Far East indicated that the potato breads were acceptable and consumers indicated they would buy the breads if they were available. Across all locations the locally purchased control bread was liked significantly less than the potato breads. A collaborative process was designed for development of food products in Soviet and Alaskan communities. / Ph. D.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties Atlantic and Granola are widely grown in Indonesia. The optimal method of cultivation in the tropics, due to the susceptibility of cut seed for disease, is by small (20 to 55 g) whole seed potatoes. However, the variety Atlantic produces mostly large tubers, which are not suitable for planting as whole seeds. Although Granola produces a reasonable proportion of small tubers it still produces a few in the larger size grades and there is no fresh market in Western Australia for the larger tubers for this variety. The aim of this study was to develop methods to be used in Western Australia that improve the yield of small seed potatoes for export to Indonesia. The influence of seed-potato storage duration (at 4°C) on subsequent stem growth was assessed after 30 days growth in a glasshouse (22°C/18°C, day⁄night). Seed potato storage for 22-28 (Atlantic) and 24-30 (Granola) weeks resulted in development of higher numbers of stems. A series of field experiment were designed to increase yield of small tubers. Apical sprout removal in Granola, but not Atlantic, increased the number of stems (by 27%), yield of 20-55 g potato (by 32%) and total yield (by 17%). Application of herbicide (paraquat + diquat) at low concentration during early tuber initiation decreased total yield in Atlantic (by 14%) and Granola (by 16%). Treating whole seed potatoes with carvone vapor two weeks before planting had no influence on stem or tuber number in both Atlantic and Granola but in Atlantic only, the total yield was reduced by 12%. Spraying plants with paclobutrazol during early tuber initiation inconsistently influenced tuber number and yield between the two varieties and two experiments. The influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) on stem number, total tuber number, yield of 20-55 g tubers and total yield was investigated by dipping seed pieces in a GA3 solution (20 mg⁄L) two days prior to planting. In Atlantic, GA3 treatment increased stem number (by 147%), total tuber number (by 75%) and yield of 20-55 g tubers (by 330%) without influencing total yield. In Granola, GA3 treatment increased stem number (by 50%), total tuber number (by 15%), yield of 20-55 g tubers (by 21%) and total yield (by 10%) The influence of gibberellic acid application (20 mg⁄L) to seed pieces before planting increased the number of small tubers through increased stem number. The shift toward a greater proportion of small tubers, without reducing total yield, had a greater influence in Atlantic than that in Granola. Treatment of GA3 and paclobutrazol together decreased total yield compared to that of GA3 alone

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the use of information technology as a method to reduce production risk for irrigated potatoes. Risk in agriculture is discussed under climatic, market or price and production related risk. Production related risk covers the disciplines of planting, irrigation, fertilisation, disease and pest control as well as harvesting. It is in the above mentioned disciplines that information technology could possible be applied to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. The nature of this study can therefor be described as the investigation of the economic justification of information technology as a method to reduce production risk in irrigated potatoes. A brief introduction to put potato production in world and South African context into perspective, is provided. In South African context the importance and position of potato production relative to other crops is discussed. To better understand the economic conditions, under which potatoes are produced in South Africa, a financial breakdown of production cost for irrigated potatoes over regions is given. It is important to understand the economics of potato production before a proper assessment of thepossible benefits of information technology can be made. Various principles and instruments involved with information technology, as it applies to potato production under irrigation are also discussed. Irrigation scheduling as a discipline in which information technology can be applied, is also discussed. It is important to understand that irrigation scheduling can be based on two underlying principles, i.e. atmospheric modelling and soil moisture measurement. Various examples of measurement instruments are discussed. Climatic based disease modelling and petiole sampling as a method to determine nutritional status in the potato plant, was also discussed. A brief discussion of computerised agriculture management software was included to conclude the discussion on the principles and instruments available for information technology in irrigated potato production. The use of fertiliser scheduling, irrigation scheduling and climatic modelling to reduce fungal diseases in potatoes, as information technology methods, are explained in greater detail. It is shown that recommended levels for various nutrients do exist and that petiole analysis as a method to determine these levels at various growth stages, can be applied successfully. It is further argued that with various methods of irrigation scheduling, proper decision making about the amount and timing of irrigation needed, can be possible. The Plant-Plus system as a method to better control Late Blight on potatoes, is discussed. The results obtained through a commercial trial proves the validity of climatic modelling as a method of information technology to reduce production risk on potatoes, specifically the risk associated with Late Blight. The existence of and results obtained through the equipment and methods previuosly mentioned, raises the question of the economic viability of information technology at farm level. To investigate the perception of growers with regard to the applicability of information technology to reduce production risk and their readiness to adopt such . -- technology, a questionnaire was sent to 40 commercial potato growers throughout South Africa. Growers were tested on their perception with regard to the use of information technology on aspects such as financial management, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation, climatic measurement for fungal modelling as well as a profile analysis of the grower. The results of the survey are tabulated and analysed. Growers were on average positive about the value of information technology and indicated that under certain conditions, they were prepared to implement such technology. Margins in commercial potato production are under severe pressure and are in fact shrinking. Case studies presented in this investigation and results from the pilot survey indicate that the use of information technology is not only important for the reduction of risk in potato production but also imperative for sustainable and profitable potato production. It can therefore be concluded that, based on the results obtained in the pilot questionnaire, a statistical valid sample would probably support the findings in the pilot study. The pilot study indicated that reliable, affordable and practical information technology, as it has been presented in this investigation, does have a place in modern day irrigated potato production. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie evalueer die gebruik van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksie risiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Risiko in landbou word onder klimatologiese, mark of prys en produksie verwante risiko bespreek. Produksie verwante risiko kan weer onderverdeel word in risiko wat verband hou met plant of vestiging, besproeiing, bemesting, plaag en pes beheer asook oes. Dit is dan in die bogenoemde dissiplines waar informasie tegnologie moontlik aangewend kan word om produksie verwante risiko te verminder. Die kern van hierdie ondersoek kan gevolglik saamgevat word as 'n ondersoek na die ekonomiese regverdigbaarheid van informasie tegnologie as 'n metode om produksierisiko in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, te verminder. Daar word kortliks verwys na aartappel verbouing in wêreld en Suid Afrikaanse konteks. In Suid Afrikaanse konteks is die relatiewe belangrikheid van aartappelverbouing in vergelyking met ander gewasse uitgelig. Ten einde 'n beter begrip vir die ekonomiese omstandighede waaronder aartappels in Suid Afrika verbou word, word 'n afbraak van produksiekoste oor streke verskaf Dit is belangrik om die ekonomie van aartappelproduksie te verstaan voordat 'n deeglike evaluering van die moontlike voordele wat informasie tegnologie kan inhou, onderneem kan word. Verskeie beginsels en instrumente in die aanwending van informasie tegnologie, soos van toepassing in die verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing, word ook toegelig. Hieronder word besproeiingskedulering as 'n metode bespreek. Dit is verder belangrik om te besef dat besproeiingskedulering op hoofsaaklik twee beginsels berus naamlik atmosferiese modellering en fisiese grondvog meting. Verskeie voorbeelde van meetinstrumente word bespreek. Klimatologiese siektemodellering en petioolontledings as 'n metode om die voedingstatus van aartappelplante te bepaal, word ook bespreek. Die gebruik van bemestingskedulering, besproeiingskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes op aartappels, as metodes van informasie tegnologie, word in groter besonderhede toegelig. Daar is aangetoon dat aanbevole peile vir verskeie nutriënte bestaan. Deur die neem van gereelde petiool ontledings kan hierdie peile suksesvol gedurende die opeenvolgende fenologiese stadia van die aartappelplant, gehandhaaf word. Daar is verder aangevoer dat deur die gebruik van verskeie metodes van besproeiingskedulering, deeglike besluitneming rakende die hoeveelheid en tydsberekening van 'n besproeiing, moontlik is. Die Plant-Plus sisteem as 'n metode om laatroes op aartappels te beheer, is toegelig. Resultate behaal in 'n kommersiële aanplanting het die geldigheid van klimatologiese modellering as 'n metode om produksierisiko - veral die risiko geassosieer met laatroes - te verminder, onderskryf. Die bestaan van resultate en instrumente soos voorgehou in Hoofstukke 3 en 4, onderskryf of bevestig die vermoede dat informasie tegnologie wel aangewend kan word om produksierisiko in aartappelverbouing te verminder. Die vraag is egter of dit ekonomies op plaasvlak aangewend kan word. Ten einde die persepsie met betrekking tot - die toepaslikheid en gereedheid van produsente in dié verband te evalueer, is 'n loodsvraelys na 40 respondente, wat die kommersiële aartappelprodusente regdeur Suid Afrika verteenwoordig, gestuur. Respondente is ge-evalueer met betrekking tot hul persepsie rakende die gebruik van informasie tegnologie in die dissiplines van finansiële bestuur, besproeiingskedulering, nutriëntskedulering en klimatologiese modellering vir die beheer van laatroes. Respondente was oor die algemeen positief met betrekking tot die nut van informasie tegnologie en dat onder seker voorwaardes, hulle dit sal gebruik. Marges in kommersiële aartappelverbouing is onder ernstige druk en is inderdaad besig om te krimp. Gevallestudies wat in hierdie ondersoek voorgehou is, asook resultate verkry uit die vraelys, dui aan dat informasie tegnologie nie alleen belangrik is vir die vermindering van risiko in aartappelverbouing me, maar ook noodsaaklik IS vir volhoubare en winsgewende aartappelproduksie. Dit kan gevolglik gestel word dat resultate verkry uit die loodsvraelys, daarop mag dui dat 'n statisties verifieerbare steekproef moontlik kan uitwys dat betroubare, bekostigbare en praktiese informasie tegnologie, soos voorgehou in hierdie ondersoek, wel 'n bestaansreg in die moderne verbouing van aartappels onder besproeiing het.

The main purpose of this thesis is to empirically calculate the welfare changes which might be expected to result from potato yield reductions caused by ambient ozone loadings in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The objectives of the research are: (1) to review the scientific literature pertaining to the effects of ozone loadings on agricultural crops; (2) to review the methodologies employed in previous regional economic assessments of ozone damages; and (3) to apply an economically defensible technique to the analysis of welfare losses due to ozone. Ozone in the Lower Mainland may be pictured as being restricted laterally by the mountain ranges surrounding Vancouver, and vertically by stagnant high pressure systems. Land/sea breezes aid in transporting ozone and its precursors from Vancouver up the Fraser Valley towards important crop growing regions. The highest levels of ozone occur during spring and summer coinciding with the most active season for many crops. Seasonal ambient ozone dose, measured as hours-ppm>0.10ppm was found to be high in rural areas, especially Abbotsford, during the late 1970's and early 1980's, dropping to low levels in more recent years. Potatoes are one of the economically important crops in the Lower Mainland known to be sensitive to ozone. Potato tuber weight reductions are estimated to have reached 16.5 percent in the Abbotsford region in 1981 at seasonal ambient ozone loadings. An aggregate supply/demand model is set up for potato production in B.C. based upon prior estimates of supply and demand elasticities. This model assumes the price in the B.C. market is set exogeneously by U.S. imports. Thus, all policy relevent welfare changes affect producers' quasi-rent alone. Sensitivity of the model to import price, and the price elasticity of supply is tested. A range of welfare estimates is reported for a variety of ambient ozone loadings. The total damages to potato producers, assuming all regions of B.C. are affected by the same seasonal dose as Abbotsford, are calculated to be around one million dollars at ambient ozone loadings in four out of eight years. A peak occurred in 1981 at 2.4-2.9 million dollars total damages. Damages may be overestimated because 20-30 percent of potato production takes place outside the Lower Mainland, Abbotsford often appears to receive higher ambient ozone loadings than other regions, and not all potato cultivars grown in the Lower Mainland are as sensitive to ozone as that employed here. However, there are also reasons to be cautious over discounting these estimates as too large. Potato response to ozone is restricted to tuber weight reductions while other important effects may include increased plant stress and damage to crop quality. In addition, missing air quality information for some years and stations, suggests that actual ozone dose could be higher than calculated. / Science, Faculty of / Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute for / Graduate